Campus organizations to host first Tarleton prom

A Tarleton State University student organization is hoping to promote diversity, assist a local non-profit and unite the Stephenville campus toward a unified goal of equality by hosting the university’s first prom.

Texans Promoting Tolerance, or TPT, will roll out the red carpet 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Tarleton Student Center for the first-ever TSU Prom. The event, sponsored by TPT, Minority Student Leaders (MSL) and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), will benefit Project HOPE through monetary and canned goods donations. Project Hope’s mission is “to achieve sustainable advances in healthcare around the world by implementing health education programs and providing humanitarian assistance in areas of need” its Web site, projecthope.org, states.

The prom’s theme is “Come as You Are,” where students will be allowed to dance the night away and support diversity in casual or formal attire.

“This dance is to get everyone together to unite and fight for diversity,” Kobie Castleberry, president of TPT, said.

TSU Prom has been referred to as a “second chance prom,” by MSL president Tavanna Prince and the director of the ODI, Dr. Moumin Quazi. Typically “second chance” proms are organized for anyone who missed or was not welcome at their original prom in previous years. This type of event has also been adopted by the gay community.

“Being gay is not a disease. It is a difference,” Quazi said.

While TSU Prom is not the traditional “second chance” prom Castleberry said it is an opportunity for anyone who desires to attend and enjoy a dance and time with their friends.

Castleberry said the term of “second chance” has been discussed, but the organization diverted from the term because the event is open to the entire Tarleton community, which he characterized as pro-diversity and pro-equality.

Tavanna Prince, MSL president, is encouraging the whole Tarleton community to come out and support Wednesday’s event.

“TSU Prom gives an excellent opportunity to unite Tarleton students for a night of fun and to promote the importance of diversity,” she said.

There will be punch and local DJ Curtis Lewis will donate his service for the evening.